Umang festival: celebrating abilities of the differently-abled

Tura, Aug. 24 (ANI): To create awareness about the disabilities in human beings and to provide them a platform to interact and celebrate their existence, a festival, named 'Umang' was organized today at Tura town in Meghalaya. The programme was organised by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Meghalaya and Dokakku Art and Culture Association, Tura. Deputy Commissioner of the West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi graced the occasion chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Bakshi acknowledged the endurance of the differently-abled students and their teachers, adding that they are different and special, which are brilliantly reflected in various forms of art showcased befitting the occasion. He further asserted the need for a state of mind to connect with these children, understand them better and discover the creativity portrayed in their lives. Specially abled students from Shiyaka School, Assam, Gilead Special School, Mizoram, Monfort Centre of Education, Tura and different schools from in and around Tura participated and presented songs and dances along with a display of Tae Kwondo tactics during the cultural programme. Earlier, in the program, cultural interaction and exchange program was conducted for students participating in the fest. (ANI)